Andanar: "Bloggers want to cover Malacanang, too"

In an interview with Rappler, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar revealed that since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office last July, bloggers have asked to be allowed to cover the Malacanang Palace.

Photo by Atty. Tixie Cruz-Angeles

The bloggers rooted their request on Article 3, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution with guarantees every Filipino the right to free expression. The Constitution states, "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances."Following the request, Andanar requested the Malacanang Press Corps, the group of media practitioners accredited to cover the Presidency, if they will allow bloggers to join their body.Rappler reported that bloggers have been accompanying the President in official trips abroad in the past. These bloggers are included in the Philippine delegation but Andanar assured that they pay for their own expenses.

They ask for accreditation to attend, for example, China. They go to Singapore and of course they’re supporters of the President so just like any businessman with the support of the President who asks for accreditation to be a delegate, then we give [it to] them,” said Andanar.Andanar shared that these bloggers were essential during Duterte's campaign for the presidency last year. "It was these bloggers who helped generate online buzz for Duterte when his campaign team was low on funds for television and radio advertisements," Rappler wrote.Source: Rappler

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